How smartphones have forced compact camera manufacturers to up their game
Image by Roberto Trm, used under Creative Commons licence.
Photography has certainly come a long way since the days of the pinhole camera, and the rate of advancement seems to be increasing all the time. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the category of compact cameras.
One of the major factors driving improvements is the prevalence of smartphones. Now, people are doing their photography by using their mobiles as digital cameras, and this has forced firms such as Canon to up their game. You can see evidence of this in products like the Canon PowerShot S120. This premium compact is a great option for people who want to take top-quality images using a device that’s convenient to carry around. It features a 10x ZoomPlus and an intelligent IS to help users achieve sharper shots.
Of course, this company is not alone. All camera manufacturers are seeking to add new features to their products in a bid to woo consumers.
Wi-Fi
A rising number of compacts feature Wi-Fi connectivity. We live in a world dominated by the web and social media, and people want to be able to upload their snaps instantly while they’re on the go. With Wi-Fi-enabled cameras, they can do precisely this. All they have to do is link their cameras to their smartphones or tablets and then upload their images and movies to the likes of Facebook, Flickr and YouTube.
This feature also makes it easier and quicker for individuals to print their shots and back them up.
Waterproof
One thing most smartphones most certainly are not is waterproof, as you may be able to attest to if you’ve ever accidentally dropped yours in a drink or a puddle. This is one area in which compact camera manufacturers can gain a decisive advantage. They now offer an impressive selection of waterproof products.
The best of these items will work at depths of up to 15 metres under water. Some also benefit from shockproofing and can operate in temperatures as low as -10°C. These rugged products are designed to allow users to make the very most of the great outdoors without being afraid that their cameras will come to harm.
Versatile zoom ranges
Another area in which compact cameras now excel is magnification. Many of these products now boast zooms of either 10x or 12x, typically starting at a fairly wide angle setting. It’s not hard to see why such items are proving popular either. They’re only slightly bigger than the standard 5x zoom compacts and they offer highly versatile zoom ranges.
When it comes to the future of compact cameras, it really is a case of watch this space. Manufacturers know they’re up against stiff competition, so you can expect plenty of innovation.
